Benefits of the PEM system

The PEM system is a "soft technology" that retains sand and further attracts sand from the littoral drift resulting in a higher and wider beach. It can be used as stand-alone solution or in combination with beach nourishment.

1. Stand-alone solution

• The PEM system supplements the beach with sand very similar to the original type  of sand, which is seldom the case with beach nourishment. 

• The sand is readily available as it is suspended in the waves as opposed to sand for beach nourishment which is obtained from other areas at high costs. 

• The PEM system has no adverse environmental effects as the vertical tubes are below the sand level on the beach. They do not present an obstacle to turtles or people. 

• Light equipment is used for the installation of PEM and it does not affect the beach surface or the environment. 

• Groins, breakwaters, and other hard structures are very expensive to remove. As the PEM system consists of independent modules std. size 2½ in. by 6 ft., they are easy and inexpensive to remove. In fact the PEM system is removed at no cost if so desired. 

• Beach nourishment often results in a steeper coastal slope which may increase the risk of accidents in the water. PEM creates a gentle slope and a safer coastal profile.  

• The sea floor near the beach is raised which reduces the destructive force of the waves during a storm.

• Sand accretion near the waterline will blow towards the dunes resulting in an elevated beach that provides optimal protection of dune and bluff.

• The effect of the PEM system is enhanced by storm and tide. 

• The PEM system consists of a number of separate modules that are not connected. Failure of one will not affect the others.

• The PEM system has no moving parts, uses no power, and is extremely robust.  

• The PEM system is very cost-effective compared to other coastal protection and enhancement methods.

2. In combination with beach nourishment

• Much more sand that has been placed on the beach will stay, instead of being washed back to the sea.

• The frequency of re-nourishments can be reduced significantly.

• The beach can be made wide with a gentle slope.

• Blocking of inlets, harbors, etc., from surplus sand will be minimized which saves the effort and cost of dredging.

• Cost savings can be achieved as re-nourishment volume and frequency can be reduced.

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